Maiden Voyage
Jan. 22nd, 2011 11:56 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ladydeathfaerie posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
marysuevirusTitle: Maiden Voyage
Chapter Four: The Eye of the Storm
Fandom: the Marvel Universe, specifically an AU version featuring the Mutant Sues
Rating: mature.
Warnings: there will be mild violence and sex. maybe some language. blatant abuse of history
Disclaimer: the Marvel men do not belong to me. they belong to Marvel and whoever the hell else owns them. i'm simply borrowing them for the fun of it. i like putting them through hell, don't you know? i'm not making money from this, either. so don't even consider what you can score off me. i'm broke. not a penny to my name. the Sues belong to the women who thought them up, namely Dazzledfirestar, Nan, SFC, Gin and myself. don't steal them. they'll kick your ass. the name and concept of the Mary Sue Virus belong to Daz, who graciously allowed me to use it for my own personal pleasure.
A/Ns: this is an idea that's been rattling around in my head for some time. and it all started when i happened to be watching a movie. yeah, you know the one. the thought came to me... "What would Dare look like in Edwardian clothes?" and it just kind of took off after that. while i don't claim to be an expert on history by any stretch of the imagination, i used a couple of reference sites for the factual information. not that i've given much of it because to do so would suggest that i know what the fuck i'm going on about. so take it all with a grain of salt. here's hoping that this won't be a hideous mess. and that it won't be an epic of goat fuck proportions.
Maiden Voyage - the Index
Breakfast the next morning was an affair that she hadn't expected. Victor had risen before her despite his late night and insisted, when she got up, that they dress and go dine in the Cafe Parisien. She did so without argument, unwilling to be caught up in another bout of Victor's anger like the one from the day before. Her face still ached from it. She wondered what had brought on this strange event, as she couldn't recall ever sharing a breakfast with him in the entire time they'd been married. But she didn't dare ask him because he seemed preoccupied and would no doubt give her a matched bruise on the other side of her face if she did.
She needn't have wondered. The answer was given to her when a familiar figure was escorted into the restaurant by an eager young steward. Even so early in the day, Anthony Stark was clothed as if he was attending a presidential dinner. Like any other woman who saw him, Alasdare had to admit that the man was glorious to look upon. And once upon a time, she'd dreamed, like any other woman who saw him, that the man would notice her and shower her with love and affection. Now, though, her attention turned to the man with him and she had to wipe her mouth with her napkin in order to hide the smile that came to her face. She could just imagine the horror on her mother's face if she learned her daughter had committed such an obvious social faux pas.
To her horror, both men noticed Victor and herself. Waving the steward away before he could seat them, Anthony said something to his companion and started toward their table. Alasdare busied herself with eating her breakfast, hoping that this wouldn't turn into the worst day of her life. "Good morning, Creed."
"Mr. Stark," Victor intoned, his voice filled with respect. Was it horrible that she couldn't tell if it was real or not? Her husband rose to his feet and offered his hand to their guest. Anthony shook it before turning to look at her. "My wife, Al..."
"Alasdare Scott. How is your father?" Damn. She'd hoped that the men would ignore her presence. With Anthony addressing her directly, she was forced to tip her head back and offer him a smile. While his face didn't give anything away, she saw his gaze flick to the bruise a moment before his eyes darkened. Ever the gentleman, he took her hand and bowed over it slightly so that he could press a kiss to the back of it.
"He's doing well, according to Mama's last cable. She says that you expressed interest in his company to him?"
"He's a sound business man but he won't be able to run the company forever. It needs young blood to keep it on track. I have enough experience that I feel it would benefit both of us if I took over the day to day running for him."
"Well, we both know that it would be in good hands. I'm sure Daddy's giving it serious thought."
"Drop a good word for me, won't you?" he asked her with a charming smile. Then, as if he suddenly remembered that he had a guest with him, he turned and motioned toward Steven with one hand. "My manners seem to have run away from me today. Alasdare, this is my closest friend, Steven Rogers. Steven, Alasdare Creed and her husband, Victor."
"Ma'am. Sir. Pleasure to meet you." Steven shook hands with Victor, as would have been expected. He tipped his head to her but made no move to touch her. Or even to let either man know that they'd already met. A flower of relief blossomed in her belly. "We should let them go back to their meal, Anthony. It would seem our table is waiting."
"Of course. Good morning. Creed, come see me later today or..." Steven leaned in and whispered something in Anthony's ear. The man snapped his fingers. "Ah, right. Can't get out of that. Make that tomorrow. We'll have breakfast."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Stark." Victor sounded like he'd just won a million dollars. Anthony nodded his head, then turned his attention back to Alasdare. She watched as his eyes zeroed in on that bruise again.
"And Creed?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Perhaps you should take better care of your wife. A man who cannot care properly for his wife has no right to care for a business." Before Victor could say anything, both men turned and walked away. Alasdare didn't look at her husband as he retook his seat. Instead, she began considering what kind of gift she should send Anthony to thank him for what he'd just done.
~*~
The rest of the day was spent either with Haley or Steven. For whatever reason, Victor didn't argue when Alasdare told him she was taking Deirdre with her. Instead, he disappeared shortly after they returned from breakfast. Leni didn't dare argue with her without Victor there to back her up. The reprieve wouldn't last long. Alasdare knew that. But she wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. She was going to enjoy the cruise to the best of her ability.
She had lunch with Haley, during which time they talked about old times. Haley carefully avoided asking her any questions about what the two of them had done or said during their time together the night before. After lunch, they visited the shops and looked around. During the whole outing, Haley seemed out of sorts and distracted, as if something was weighing heavily on her mind. Alasdare thought to ask her about it, but felt that her friend would confide in her when she was ready. So she kept her questions and concerns to herself. Instead, she allowed herself to pretend that this was what her life would have been like, had she not married Victor.
Her mother had once told her she was a dreamer. Perhaps this was so, but dreams had lately been the only things that kept her from going utterly mad in her marriage. Victor had done his best to keep her alienated from her family and friends, to make her feel like she was nothing without him. She'd almost started believing that. But her dreams had kept her from falling prey to his brand of terrorism, dreams that had shown her what it was like to be married to a man who loved and respected her. Dreams that had helped keep her sane.
Was Steven a dream come true? He'd seemed to like her yesterday. He'd asked her about her life and her family, had told her some about himself. He'd treated Deirdre like she was more than just the expected offspring of a married couple. She couldn't understand just what yesterday had been. She wasn't even really sure what she felt. She thought it might be love, but she couldn't believe it. How could someone fall in love with a person they'd only just met? How could she want to spend her life with a man she didn't know?
That thought surprised her. She'd only just made the decision yesterday to take control of her life, to make Victor see that she wasn't someone to be pushed around, that she wasn't lower than dirt. She had thoughts and feelings. She was a human being. She hadn't been put on the earth just to be his punching bag. She'd survive whatever her parents thought of her, whatever society thought of her, for ending her marriage to the father of her children. Victor Creed wasn't fit to be a father or a husband. He wasn't fit to even be in the same room as her.
His actions showed everyone who cared to look that he was low born. Alasdare had never thought there was a difference between one class and the next. She'd always held the opinion that all people were equal. Until she'd met Victor. He cared nothing for anyone but himself, did nothing for anyone but himself. He was rude and uneducated. The man gambled, drank and smoked, slept with any woman who would climb into bed. He laid hand on her whenever he felt like it, used her as some kind of receptacle for his genetics.
She loved her children, Both Deirdre and the one that was growing inside of her. It wasn't their fault that Victor was their father. But they deserved someone better than him for a parent. Part of her already wished that Steven was that man. Something told her that he would be the kind of man who would cherish his wife and love his children, that he'd do whatever it took to make them happy and keep them safe. For reasons she didn't dare dip too deeply into, she wanted to be his wife.
That was wrong, wasn't it? She was married. Her family didn't believe that a marriage ended. Not even when one of the spouses died. She'd been brought up to believe the same things. But she didn't. She couldn't. Not after spending the past year with Victor. She could no longer stay with him. And she was willing to risk her reputation to get away from him.
Such thoughts kept going through her head as she and Haley browsed items offered in the ship's store. She was more confused today than she'd ever been in her life and she just didn't know what to do with herself. Every time she thought of Steven, butterflies began fluttering in her belly. As if she was nervous or giddy. She was so confused.
That confusion disappeared the moment Steven joined her on the deck. Instead, she allowed herself to think about his company and their conversation. When his hand brushed her arm innocently, her skin tingled from the contact. When he complimented her on her looks, she blushed like a virgin on her wedding night. And when he looked at her... Those tingles burst into life all over her body. She so badly wanted him to kiss her, wanted him to touch her places he wasn't supposed to. The desire was so strong that she had to tighten her hold on the pram's handle.
She pondered mentioning to him that she was going to leave her husband. Part of her wanted to see how he would react to such news. But the part of her that had been schooled by her mother wouldn't allow her to be so forward. There was no point in mentioning such a thing. It was personal business and, more to the point, it wasn't something one did in polite society. So she kept the news to herself and simply basked in the warmth of his presence at her side.
When it was time for her to return to the cabin so that she could dress for dinner, he asked her to meet him after so that they could admire the view at night. She made the date against her better judgement and paid for it later, when Victor returned to the cabin in the wee hours of the morning. He barked out gruff orders in his usual way, demanding she please him before he would allow her to return to sleep. And when he was done...
He must have taken to heart what Anthony Stark had told him that morning because he made sure that the bruises wouldn't show the next day.
~*~
"Haley, is there something the matter? You've been scattered for days now. Just what the hell is going on with you?" Alasdare lifted her tea cup slowly so as not to give away the pain in her side. Haley finally focused on her and frowned.
"Have you been spending time with Margaret Brown? Your language is positively scandalous." Oh, yes. Something was troubling Haley. Even as a child, she'd tried using diversionary tactics to steer both Alasdare and Warren away from things she didn't want them to know.
"I've barely seen the woman since we've been aboard and you know that. What has got you so..." she rolled a hand in a gesture meant to convey what she was asking. Haley shook her head and picked up her tea cup, then cringed when she took a drink and realized the tea was cold. She lifted a hand and signaled to the nearest steward. "I thought I was your friend, Haley. I thought you knew you could tell me anything."
"I can't tell you this, Alasdare. Its simply too..." Haley broke off, as if she didn't know what to say.
"Scandalous?" she asked her friend. Haley could only nod. Alasdare took a moment to consider it, then sighed and glanced around to be sure no one would hear her. "I'm leaving Victor."
"You mentioned that."
"Haley, I'm divorcing him. I..." she paused and lowered her voice. "I think I'm in love with someone else."
That caught the other woman's attention. "Your handsome stranger?" She felt the blush staining her cheeks. Haley reached out and laid her hand over Alasdare's. "I thought as much. Does he know?"
"Of course not!" Alasdare was indignant. Just how classless did Haley think she was? Haley chuckled at her reaction. "I have no plans on telling him. I... If Victor knew such a thing, there's no telling what he would do to Steven."
"I'm more concerned with what he'd do to you. What about your parents? I know that they won't take this well. They've always been all about you doing your duty to the family by marrying and having a mansion full of babies."
"I'm sure they'll disown me. If this is the case, I'll just have to find my way in the world on my own."
"I have no doubt you could do it, too." Haley stopped and looked off into the distance. Alasdare followed her gaze to find her watching the ocean. But something told her the redhead wasn't actually seeing the water. "I know I offered you my help, but I do believe I'll no longer be in the position to do so."
"Why not? Haley? What's going on?"
"I've met someone, Alasdare. I love him. I plan on running away with him when the ship docks in New York." For just a second or two, Alasdare wondered why Haley would do such a thing. Then she realized what her friend wasn't saying.
"He's no one who would normally be found in our circle, isn't he?"
"No. He's a Third Class passenger. We've been together every night since the day we boarded the ship."
"Haley! You mean you've..."
"No. Of course not! My mother would die of shame if she even thought I'd done something like that. We talk of our dreams. That's all. But meeting him has made me realize that the life we lead is far too confining for me." Haley leveled a look at her that told her everything she needed to know. "I know you know what it is I speak of."
"Then all I can say to you is good luck, Haley. And I hope he makes you terribly happy."
"He does. He really does."
~*~
She didn't get to see Steven before dinner, but a steward brought her a note from him after the men retired to drink and smoke. It asked her to meet him on deck, near the aft of the ship, at ten o'clock. She wondered why he was asking her to meet him there but didn't worry over it too much. Instead, she fended off Haley's gentle teasing as best she could.
After dinner was completed, she and Haley returned to their cabins together. She dropped her friend off with a knowing look and a wishing of good night, then made her way to her own cabin. Leni was waiting for her, Deirdre in her arms. Alasdare took her daughter from the woman without a word and hugged the child close. "Good evening, my sweet. How is mommy's little angel? Have you eaten your fill of dinner?"
"She has, mum." A kind of smugness made Alasdare look up at Leni. The woman presented her with a knowing look that set Alasdare's nerves on edge.
"Then I shall read her a story before she goes to bed. Go find something to eat, Leni. But be back here within the hour. I have plans for this evening."
"Yes, mum." Leni dipped a curtsey, then headed for the door without another word. Alasdare watched her go before making her way into the room that Deirdre and Leni shared. Taking a seat in the rocker, she held Deirdre close and sifted through the books they'd brought with before picking up The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Smiling down at the child in her arms, she gave the girl a kiss and settled her into her crib. When she was laying down and covered with her blanket, Alasdare hefted the book and began reading from it.
She was just sitting there, watching Deirdre sleep, when Leni returned. The two women retired to the other room. Alasdare picked up her coat and put it on. "I don't know how long I'll be. Don't wait up for me."
Leni said nothing. Alasdare didn't care. She let herself out of the cabin and slowly made her way up the hall. She didn't want to seem too eager. But she couldn't quite keep the spring out of her step. Meeting up with Steven had become the highlight of her days, made it possible for her to endure Victor's ill treatment. She wasn't naive enough to think that his interest in her would extend beyond their days on the ship. But she hoped it would. She wanted a life with him. Some instinct inside of her told her that life with Steven Rogers would be good. After the past year with Victor, she deserved something good.
Didn't she?
The air was much brisker than she'd expected, prompting her to huddle deeper into her coat. She made her way toward the rear of the ship as quickly as she could, taking care with where she put her feet. Fortunately for her, there was a rail bolted to the wall that she could use to help maintain her balance. Not that the ship was rocking. In fact, it felt as if the seas were completely calm. She thought that to be kind of odd, but shrugged it off. She didn't know anything about sailing, so such things were beyond her.
She finally arrived at the aft section of the ship. It wasn't hard to spot Steven. There were very few people up on deck at the moment. It was easy to spot him by the width of his shoulders and the golden hue of his hair as the electric lights shone off it. After checking to be sure that no one she knew was here, she closed the distance between the two of them. He must have heard the clatter of her heels against the deck because he turned before she even reached him. His smile made her heart do a little flip. "Thank you for meeting me, Alasdare. If I may be so bold, you looked lovely at dinner."
"Yes. You may be so bold. Because you looked quite handsome." He smiled at her compliment and her heart flipped again. "Why are we meeting here? This isn't where we usually pass the time."
"I'm afraid that you might be in danger, Alasdare." She almost laughed, but his voice was so serious. His face was so serious that it choked the mirth out of her.
"You think Victor knows about our secret meetings? I can assure you that he doesn't. If he did, I likely wouldn't be meeting you right now." She reached out and put her hand on his. "We've done nothing wrong, Steven. He can't do anything to me."
"He can hurt you, Alasdare. I've met men like him before. He thinks you're his possession, not his wife. He believes he can do to you whatever he wants and no one will stop him. He could kill you. What of your daughter? What of the child you carry?"
"He would never hurt his child." She turned to stare out at the water behind them. She didn't want to have this conversation with him. He was supposed to help her forget how terrible her life was. Not remind her of it. "I'll be fine, Steven. I've gotten used to it."
"You can't know that. And you shouldn't be used to it. No man has the right to make you think that you deserve to be treated that way." He reached out and took hold of her, turning her to face him. His hand curled over the tender spot on her ribs, just under her arm. Her breath hissed out of her throat with pain, bringing concern to his face. Then his fingers were probing gently at the spot until she almost cried out. "He did this after Anthony warned him not to hit you anymore, didn't he?"
"Its nothing. Just let it go. Please." He stared down at her and she could see in his eyes the desire to press the issue further. The idea that he cared warmed her heart. "Please, Steven. Just let it go. I'm going to leave him when we reach New York. I'm taking Deirdre and leaving him. It doesn't matter if my parents disown me and I don't have any money. It doesn't matter if I become a social outcast. All that matters is I'm going to take control of my life and leave him. I..." She stopped herself before she could give everything away. She just couldn't tell him that she thought she'd fallen in love with him.
"You what?" There was an edge of hopeful eagerness to his voice. Alasdare shook her head.
"I don't love Victor. I never have. We were married because my parents felt it was a good match. I don't love him." She stared up at him, foolishly hoping that he would read into her words the things she hadn't said. And he stared back, face a mask of concern and confusion and... hope?
His hands lifted, fingers cupping her cheeks gently so that he could tilt her head back just a bit. The intent was there, shining in his eyes and her heart soared. She'd been dreaming of this almost since the moment she'd met him. Something told her that his kiss would be the stuff of legends, the kind of kiss that would make her toes curl. She wanted to watch him the entire time, but her eyes closed as his face closed the distance. She felt his breath plume against her lips, swore she felt the barest brush of his lips against them. But then he was pulling back, his hands letting her go so that he could turn away. This time, he was the one who stared out over the ocean.
"Steven?"
"Forgive me, Alasdare. I don't know what I was thinking." His voice was as tight as his grip on the railing. She wanted to put a hand on his arm and told him that it was fine, that there was nothing shameful in his desire to kiss her because she wanted it as much as he did. But she didn't. Because she could see that he wouldn't believe her. She simply stood by him and remained silent, giving him the time he needed to get himself back under control. Several long moments passed before he finally looked at her. What she saw in his face nearly broke her heart. "We can no longer see one another. Your husband has been making promises and threats that lead me to believe your life will be forfeit if we continue our relationship."
"No. Please, Steven. No."
"I won't be responsible for that animal abusing you. I'm sorry, Alasdare. I wish it could be different." He reached out and cupped her cheek with one hand, then drew away. There was regret swimming in his eyes. "The wind is turning chilly. You should go back to your cabin. There's no reason you should stay up here and catch your death."
Steven turned and walked away.
~*~
This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. This wasn't how it was supposed to end.
She lay curled up on the bed, eyes dry and gritty from crying. She'd retired to the bedroom after returning to the cabin and had immediately taken to bed. It felt as if her whole world was falling apart. She'd remained topside for a few minutes longer, trying to grasp what had just happened. And, as she'd watched Steven walk away, she'd realized that it was possible for someone to fall in love with someone they didn't know. Because she'd done just that. Watching him go, she'd suddenly understood. She'd fallen in love with him.
She heard the cabin's main door open and knew that Victor had returned. It was early, only just after eleven. Perhaps he was only there to retrieve something he'd forgotten and would leave without bothering her. She could hear some muffled conversation from the other room, suggesting that he was speaking to Leni. The chatter lasted some minute or so, then the door to the bedroom crashed open and Victor flicked on the lights. "Get out of bed, whore!"
The anger in his voice prompted her to do as he said. She slid from the bed and stared at him. One of his fingers pointed at her, then he jerked his thumb over his shoulder. She picked up her robe and slipped it on, belting it closed as she hurried to do his bidding. He stepped aside to let her through the door, his hand connecting with her back to push her. She stumbled over the hem of her nightgown and ended up on her hands and knees on the floor. "Get up or I'm going to kick that brat right out of you."
Alasdare climbed to her feet and moved to put distance between them. A glance over her shoulder showed her that Leni was watching them with sadistic glee in her eyes. It was a mistake, because the moment she took her attention off Victor, his hand curled around her throat and squeezed until she couldn't breathe. She wrapped her hands around his wrist, eyes wide as she stared at him. "Victor, please."
"I should break your god damn neck. You've been cheating on me, making a fool out of me!" he growled, shaking her ever so slightly. She tried to say no, but his fingers tightened, leaving her no other choice but to shake her head. "I know you been out with some other fella! I know! Are you trying to make a fool out of me?"
She shook her head again. Black dots were dancing before her eyes, letting her know that if she didn't get air soon, she was would be rendered unconscious. That would leave him the freedom to do whatever he liked. She couldn't let that happen. Desperate and running on what little adrenaline was left, she curled her hand into a fist and swung. It struck him square in the nose, hard enough that she heard the crunching sound that told her she'd broken it. Blood poured forth and he roared, tossing her away from him. The back of the sofa bit into her back painfully, bolted as it was to the floor. She dropped to the floor and gasped for breath.
"Leave us, Leni."
"But sir." The woman didn't sound quite so smug this time. Alasdare looked up at her through the spill of hair that covered her face. There was disbelief and hesitance there.
"Leave! Now!" Victor barked out the orders. Leni glanced at Alasdare for a moment, then nodded and almost ran for the door. When it shut behind her with a thud, Victor curled his hand into Alasdare's raven locks and dragged her to the couch. She tried to fight him, clawed at his wrist with her nails while her feet kicked at him. The pain didn't seem to phase him. He threw her down on the couch before backhanding her across the cheek. It was enough to leave her stunned so that he could pull the sash from her robe and rip the front of her nightgown away.
"No! Not anymore! I am not someone you can abuse any longer."
"Who's gonna stop me? Your new lover? I'll kill him if he comes near you again." He was fumbling at the zipper on his trousers. She lifted a leg and struck out with her foot. It caught him square in the crotch. Victor groaned, his hands cupping himself.
With his attention taken off of her, she scrambled off the couch. It was in her mind to make it to the door, run out into the hallway and scream for help. Surely someone would believe her claims of abuse if they could see the bruises he left on her body, if they saw the state of her night dress. Maybe someone would save her from all of this.
Her hand was on the knob when his hands closed around her waist. He ripped her away from the door and threw her across the room. She tripped over the coffee table and ended up on the couch again. He was advancing on her, hands fisted at his sides. Murder shone in his eyes. Dear God, he was going to kill her. She went over the back of the couch, her hands behind her as she searched for something with which she could defend herself.
Her hands closed over a vase. She used one hand to pick it up, swung it around until it smashed against his head. In a few moments, crimson droplets stained the golden hue of his hair. He reached up with one hand and felt the injury, then took a moment to stare at his hand. He said nothing. He just snarled at her and threw himself forward.
She turned to run away, but his hand caught her hair and pulled her back into him. "Please, Victor. Don't do this. Please."
"Shut up, bitch! No one makes a laughing stock of me. No one! I'm going to teach you which one of us is the boss." He shoved her into the wall face first, holding her in place with one hand. His free hand tugged at her clothing again until he pulled them from her body. She closed her eyes and tried to pretend that she was somewhere else. Anywhere else. And when he realized that she wasn't giving him her attention, he slapped her in the back of the head.
She must have lost time. She remembered being pinned up against the wall. Then she was on the floor, laying face down. Her clothes were gone and she ached all over. She could well imagine what he'd done to her. Groaning, she rose up on hands and knees. A pair of glossy shoes appeared at the edge of her vision moments before his hand curled into her hair and pulled her to her feet again. A bruise had already formed across his nose and under his eyes. Eyes that burned with hatred. "I'm gonna make you regret this day."
"I've regretted it since the day we exchanged vows, Victor." Her words came out on a whisper. He only snarled at her, caught her around the throat again. "I'm not afraid of you. Not anymore."
"I'll teach ya to be afraid."
"I'm not a dog. Hit me again and you'll live to regret it." This was it. The last straw. After tonight, she'd make sure everyone knew what kind of man he was. She'd ruin him, ruin his reputation. And she'd see to it that her father considered Anthony Stark's proposal. Victor only leered at her and drew his hand back. She watched has he curled it into a fist. "You'll lose the respect of everyone when I tell them what you've done. You'll be penniless and on the outside. Again. How will that feel, Victor? How will you like being a pathetic no one?"
"Whore!" Before he could swing at her, she lifted her hand and slapped it against his broken nose. He growled and released her, his hands going up to stop the new flow of blood. Alasdare turned to run. She took three steps, then ended up face first on the floor again. Victor glared down at her, death in his eyes. She struggled to gain her feet, crawling backward as he stalked toward her. A wall brought her up short. "I'd take the time to do this right, but I've got a meeting soon. We'll finish this when I get back."
"I won't be here, Victor. I'll go somewhere else. Anywhere to get away from you."
"You ain't going nowhere, bitch!" She had only a second or two to note the fist coming at her. Then it slammed into the side of her head and she felt pain burst across the back of her skull. The room swam with colors while her body became curiously light. The floor rushed up to meet her and the last thing she heard before unconsciousness took her was the turning of the lock on the door.
And then she knew nothing but darkness.
~*~
"Alasdare!" Her name came from a long distance away, in a voice that was strident with fear. She blinked, tried to sit up but ended up falling over once again. "Alasdare, open the door!"
She knew that voice. Didn't she? She tried calling his name, but nothing more than a hoarse squeak came out. The knob rattled, the door shaking in its frame. A baby was crying in the background. "Damn it, Alasdare. Open the door if you're in there."
"Step back, old man. Allow me." That voice was familiar, too. Her brain didn't seem to be working very well because she couldn't quite recall names. There was a reason for that, wasn't there? She tried climbing to her feet, but her legs felt like jelly. So she started crawling. Perhaps it was better that way because just thinking about standing made her feel nauseous. Not that it mattered what she did because a moment later, the door burst open with the sound of wood splintering and she found familiar faces staring at her. "Good God. The man's an animal. You take care of her, Steven. I'll go after her child."
The two of them flowed into the room, leaving streamers of color flowing out behind them. The effect made her feel sick, forcing her to close her eyes. She felt a hand on her forehead, soothing and gentle, with another hand probed the rest of her head. She hissed when his fingers found the knot where... Where something must have happened. She couldn't remember what that something was, though. "Alasdare, can you hear me?"
"Steven," she whispered. Very slowly, she cracked her eyes open to find his face only inches from hers. She tried for a smile and knew she failed by the way he frowned at her. "I'm sorry. I must look a fright."
"You look..." he stopped, as if he'd been about to say something, then thought better of it. "You're right. You look horrible. Can you stand?"
"I tried. My legs don't seem to work very well." Judging by the way his mouth flattened, he was really not happy. But he said nothing, simply swung her up into his arms and carried her through to the bedroom. Her eyes went wide. "Steven, do you really think now is the right time?"
He set her on the bed and stared at her, as if he wasn't sure what she was talking about. Then understanding dawned in his eyes and he shook his head. "That isn't what this is all about. We have to get you dressed and get you up on deck. The ship is sinking. They're putting people in lifeboats as we speak." He turned from her and went to the heavy wooden armoire that held her gowns and Victor's suits. A look into one of the drawers garnered him a pair of tap pants and one of her brassieres. Next came a pair of stockings, which was followed by one of her gowns and her heaviest coat. The last thing he picked up were a pair of shoes. Then he turned to her side.
They said nothing as he helped her into her clothing. She thought there was something terribly sweet and very wicked about his knowing exactly how to dress her, but he was a handsome man and no doubt had his fair share of the ladies. Standing proved slightly problematic, but he worked around that as best he could. He had her fully dressed and ready to go in record time. The last thing he did was fetch one of the lifebelts from the cupboard and help her into it.
She tried once again to stand, but her legs still didn't want to hold her. So he simply swung her up into his arms again and carried her toward the door. Anthony Stark was standing in the living room, Deirdre bundled up in his arms. "She's an enchanting child, Alasdare. And quite smart. She stopped crying the moment she saw me. No doubt because she knows a handsome man when she sees one."
"Absolutely no ego at all, Anthony."
"Of course not. Now let's get the soon to be widow Creed up to the lifeboats."
"Sounds like a damned good idea to me."
Chapter Four: The Eye of the Storm
Fandom: the Marvel Universe, specifically an AU version featuring the Mutant Sues
Rating: mature.
Warnings: there will be mild violence and sex. maybe some language. blatant abuse of history
Disclaimer: the Marvel men do not belong to me. they belong to Marvel and whoever the hell else owns them. i'm simply borrowing them for the fun of it. i like putting them through hell, don't you know? i'm not making money from this, either. so don't even consider what you can score off me. i'm broke. not a penny to my name. the Sues belong to the women who thought them up, namely Dazzledfirestar, Nan, SFC, Gin and myself. don't steal them. they'll kick your ass. the name and concept of the Mary Sue Virus belong to Daz, who graciously allowed me to use it for my own personal pleasure.
A/Ns: this is an idea that's been rattling around in my head for some time. and it all started when i happened to be watching a movie. yeah, you know the one. the thought came to me... "What would Dare look like in Edwardian clothes?" and it just kind of took off after that. while i don't claim to be an expert on history by any stretch of the imagination, i used a couple of reference sites for the factual information. not that i've given much of it because to do so would suggest that i know what the fuck i'm going on about. so take it all with a grain of salt. here's hoping that this won't be a hideous mess. and that it won't be an epic of goat fuck proportions.
Maiden Voyage - the Index
Breakfast the next morning was an affair that she hadn't expected. Victor had risen before her despite his late night and insisted, when she got up, that they dress and go dine in the Cafe Parisien. She did so without argument, unwilling to be caught up in another bout of Victor's anger like the one from the day before. Her face still ached from it. She wondered what had brought on this strange event, as she couldn't recall ever sharing a breakfast with him in the entire time they'd been married. But she didn't dare ask him because he seemed preoccupied and would no doubt give her a matched bruise on the other side of her face if she did.
She needn't have wondered. The answer was given to her when a familiar figure was escorted into the restaurant by an eager young steward. Even so early in the day, Anthony Stark was clothed as if he was attending a presidential dinner. Like any other woman who saw him, Alasdare had to admit that the man was glorious to look upon. And once upon a time, she'd dreamed, like any other woman who saw him, that the man would notice her and shower her with love and affection. Now, though, her attention turned to the man with him and she had to wipe her mouth with her napkin in order to hide the smile that came to her face. She could just imagine the horror on her mother's face if she learned her daughter had committed such an obvious social faux pas.
To her horror, both men noticed Victor and herself. Waving the steward away before he could seat them, Anthony said something to his companion and started toward their table. Alasdare busied herself with eating her breakfast, hoping that this wouldn't turn into the worst day of her life. "Good morning, Creed."
"Mr. Stark," Victor intoned, his voice filled with respect. Was it horrible that she couldn't tell if it was real or not? Her husband rose to his feet and offered his hand to their guest. Anthony shook it before turning to look at her. "My wife, Al..."
"Alasdare Scott. How is your father?" Damn. She'd hoped that the men would ignore her presence. With Anthony addressing her directly, she was forced to tip her head back and offer him a smile. While his face didn't give anything away, she saw his gaze flick to the bruise a moment before his eyes darkened. Ever the gentleman, he took her hand and bowed over it slightly so that he could press a kiss to the back of it.
"He's doing well, according to Mama's last cable. She says that you expressed interest in his company to him?"
"He's a sound business man but he won't be able to run the company forever. It needs young blood to keep it on track. I have enough experience that I feel it would benefit both of us if I took over the day to day running for him."
"Well, we both know that it would be in good hands. I'm sure Daddy's giving it serious thought."
"Drop a good word for me, won't you?" he asked her with a charming smile. Then, as if he suddenly remembered that he had a guest with him, he turned and motioned toward Steven with one hand. "My manners seem to have run away from me today. Alasdare, this is my closest friend, Steven Rogers. Steven, Alasdare Creed and her husband, Victor."
"Ma'am. Sir. Pleasure to meet you." Steven shook hands with Victor, as would have been expected. He tipped his head to her but made no move to touch her. Or even to let either man know that they'd already met. A flower of relief blossomed in her belly. "We should let them go back to their meal, Anthony. It would seem our table is waiting."
"Of course. Good morning. Creed, come see me later today or..." Steven leaned in and whispered something in Anthony's ear. The man snapped his fingers. "Ah, right. Can't get out of that. Make that tomorrow. We'll have breakfast."
"Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Stark." Victor sounded like he'd just won a million dollars. Anthony nodded his head, then turned his attention back to Alasdare. She watched as his eyes zeroed in on that bruise again.
"And Creed?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Perhaps you should take better care of your wife. A man who cannot care properly for his wife has no right to care for a business." Before Victor could say anything, both men turned and walked away. Alasdare didn't look at her husband as he retook his seat. Instead, she began considering what kind of gift she should send Anthony to thank him for what he'd just done.
~*~
The rest of the day was spent either with Haley or Steven. For whatever reason, Victor didn't argue when Alasdare told him she was taking Deirdre with her. Instead, he disappeared shortly after they returned from breakfast. Leni didn't dare argue with her without Victor there to back her up. The reprieve wouldn't last long. Alasdare knew that. But she wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. She was going to enjoy the cruise to the best of her ability.
She had lunch with Haley, during which time they talked about old times. Haley carefully avoided asking her any questions about what the two of them had done or said during their time together the night before. After lunch, they visited the shops and looked around. During the whole outing, Haley seemed out of sorts and distracted, as if something was weighing heavily on her mind. Alasdare thought to ask her about it, but felt that her friend would confide in her when she was ready. So she kept her questions and concerns to herself. Instead, she allowed herself to pretend that this was what her life would have been like, had she not married Victor.
Her mother had once told her she was a dreamer. Perhaps this was so, but dreams had lately been the only things that kept her from going utterly mad in her marriage. Victor had done his best to keep her alienated from her family and friends, to make her feel like she was nothing without him. She'd almost started believing that. But her dreams had kept her from falling prey to his brand of terrorism, dreams that had shown her what it was like to be married to a man who loved and respected her. Dreams that had helped keep her sane.
Was Steven a dream come true? He'd seemed to like her yesterday. He'd asked her about her life and her family, had told her some about himself. He'd treated Deirdre like she was more than just the expected offspring of a married couple. She couldn't understand just what yesterday had been. She wasn't even really sure what she felt. She thought it might be love, but she couldn't believe it. How could someone fall in love with a person they'd only just met? How could she want to spend her life with a man she didn't know?
That thought surprised her. She'd only just made the decision yesterday to take control of her life, to make Victor see that she wasn't someone to be pushed around, that she wasn't lower than dirt. She had thoughts and feelings. She was a human being. She hadn't been put on the earth just to be his punching bag. She'd survive whatever her parents thought of her, whatever society thought of her, for ending her marriage to the father of her children. Victor Creed wasn't fit to be a father or a husband. He wasn't fit to even be in the same room as her.
His actions showed everyone who cared to look that he was low born. Alasdare had never thought there was a difference between one class and the next. She'd always held the opinion that all people were equal. Until she'd met Victor. He cared nothing for anyone but himself, did nothing for anyone but himself. He was rude and uneducated. The man gambled, drank and smoked, slept with any woman who would climb into bed. He laid hand on her whenever he felt like it, used her as some kind of receptacle for his genetics.
She loved her children, Both Deirdre and the one that was growing inside of her. It wasn't their fault that Victor was their father. But they deserved someone better than him for a parent. Part of her already wished that Steven was that man. Something told her that he would be the kind of man who would cherish his wife and love his children, that he'd do whatever it took to make them happy and keep them safe. For reasons she didn't dare dip too deeply into, she wanted to be his wife.
That was wrong, wasn't it? She was married. Her family didn't believe that a marriage ended. Not even when one of the spouses died. She'd been brought up to believe the same things. But she didn't. She couldn't. Not after spending the past year with Victor. She could no longer stay with him. And she was willing to risk her reputation to get away from him.
Such thoughts kept going through her head as she and Haley browsed items offered in the ship's store. She was more confused today than she'd ever been in her life and she just didn't know what to do with herself. Every time she thought of Steven, butterflies began fluttering in her belly. As if she was nervous or giddy. She was so confused.
That confusion disappeared the moment Steven joined her on the deck. Instead, she allowed herself to think about his company and their conversation. When his hand brushed her arm innocently, her skin tingled from the contact. When he complimented her on her looks, she blushed like a virgin on her wedding night. And when he looked at her... Those tingles burst into life all over her body. She so badly wanted him to kiss her, wanted him to touch her places he wasn't supposed to. The desire was so strong that she had to tighten her hold on the pram's handle.
She pondered mentioning to him that she was going to leave her husband. Part of her wanted to see how he would react to such news. But the part of her that had been schooled by her mother wouldn't allow her to be so forward. There was no point in mentioning such a thing. It was personal business and, more to the point, it wasn't something one did in polite society. So she kept the news to herself and simply basked in the warmth of his presence at her side.
When it was time for her to return to the cabin so that she could dress for dinner, he asked her to meet him after so that they could admire the view at night. She made the date against her better judgement and paid for it later, when Victor returned to the cabin in the wee hours of the morning. He barked out gruff orders in his usual way, demanding she please him before he would allow her to return to sleep. And when he was done...
He must have taken to heart what Anthony Stark had told him that morning because he made sure that the bruises wouldn't show the next day.
~*~
"Haley, is there something the matter? You've been scattered for days now. Just what the hell is going on with you?" Alasdare lifted her tea cup slowly so as not to give away the pain in her side. Haley finally focused on her and frowned.
"Have you been spending time with Margaret Brown? Your language is positively scandalous." Oh, yes. Something was troubling Haley. Even as a child, she'd tried using diversionary tactics to steer both Alasdare and Warren away from things she didn't want them to know.
"I've barely seen the woman since we've been aboard and you know that. What has got you so..." she rolled a hand in a gesture meant to convey what she was asking. Haley shook her head and picked up her tea cup, then cringed when she took a drink and realized the tea was cold. She lifted a hand and signaled to the nearest steward. "I thought I was your friend, Haley. I thought you knew you could tell me anything."
"I can't tell you this, Alasdare. Its simply too..." Haley broke off, as if she didn't know what to say.
"Scandalous?" she asked her friend. Haley could only nod. Alasdare took a moment to consider it, then sighed and glanced around to be sure no one would hear her. "I'm leaving Victor."
"You mentioned that."
"Haley, I'm divorcing him. I..." she paused and lowered her voice. "I think I'm in love with someone else."
That caught the other woman's attention. "Your handsome stranger?" She felt the blush staining her cheeks. Haley reached out and laid her hand over Alasdare's. "I thought as much. Does he know?"
"Of course not!" Alasdare was indignant. Just how classless did Haley think she was? Haley chuckled at her reaction. "I have no plans on telling him. I... If Victor knew such a thing, there's no telling what he would do to Steven."
"I'm more concerned with what he'd do to you. What about your parents? I know that they won't take this well. They've always been all about you doing your duty to the family by marrying and having a mansion full of babies."
"I'm sure they'll disown me. If this is the case, I'll just have to find my way in the world on my own."
"I have no doubt you could do it, too." Haley stopped and looked off into the distance. Alasdare followed her gaze to find her watching the ocean. But something told her the redhead wasn't actually seeing the water. "I know I offered you my help, but I do believe I'll no longer be in the position to do so."
"Why not? Haley? What's going on?"
"I've met someone, Alasdare. I love him. I plan on running away with him when the ship docks in New York." For just a second or two, Alasdare wondered why Haley would do such a thing. Then she realized what her friend wasn't saying.
"He's no one who would normally be found in our circle, isn't he?"
"No. He's a Third Class passenger. We've been together every night since the day we boarded the ship."
"Haley! You mean you've..."
"No. Of course not! My mother would die of shame if she even thought I'd done something like that. We talk of our dreams. That's all. But meeting him has made me realize that the life we lead is far too confining for me." Haley leveled a look at her that told her everything she needed to know. "I know you know what it is I speak of."
"Then all I can say to you is good luck, Haley. And I hope he makes you terribly happy."
"He does. He really does."
~*~
She didn't get to see Steven before dinner, but a steward brought her a note from him after the men retired to drink and smoke. It asked her to meet him on deck, near the aft of the ship, at ten o'clock. She wondered why he was asking her to meet him there but didn't worry over it too much. Instead, she fended off Haley's gentle teasing as best she could.
After dinner was completed, she and Haley returned to their cabins together. She dropped her friend off with a knowing look and a wishing of good night, then made her way to her own cabin. Leni was waiting for her, Deirdre in her arms. Alasdare took her daughter from the woman without a word and hugged the child close. "Good evening, my sweet. How is mommy's little angel? Have you eaten your fill of dinner?"
"She has, mum." A kind of smugness made Alasdare look up at Leni. The woman presented her with a knowing look that set Alasdare's nerves on edge.
"Then I shall read her a story before she goes to bed. Go find something to eat, Leni. But be back here within the hour. I have plans for this evening."
"Yes, mum." Leni dipped a curtsey, then headed for the door without another word. Alasdare watched her go before making her way into the room that Deirdre and Leni shared. Taking a seat in the rocker, she held Deirdre close and sifted through the books they'd brought with before picking up The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Smiling down at the child in her arms, she gave the girl a kiss and settled her into her crib. When she was laying down and covered with her blanket, Alasdare hefted the book and began reading from it.
She was just sitting there, watching Deirdre sleep, when Leni returned. The two women retired to the other room. Alasdare picked up her coat and put it on. "I don't know how long I'll be. Don't wait up for me."
Leni said nothing. Alasdare didn't care. She let herself out of the cabin and slowly made her way up the hall. She didn't want to seem too eager. But she couldn't quite keep the spring out of her step. Meeting up with Steven had become the highlight of her days, made it possible for her to endure Victor's ill treatment. She wasn't naive enough to think that his interest in her would extend beyond their days on the ship. But she hoped it would. She wanted a life with him. Some instinct inside of her told her that life with Steven Rogers would be good. After the past year with Victor, she deserved something good.
Didn't she?
The air was much brisker than she'd expected, prompting her to huddle deeper into her coat. She made her way toward the rear of the ship as quickly as she could, taking care with where she put her feet. Fortunately for her, there was a rail bolted to the wall that she could use to help maintain her balance. Not that the ship was rocking. In fact, it felt as if the seas were completely calm. She thought that to be kind of odd, but shrugged it off. She didn't know anything about sailing, so such things were beyond her.
She finally arrived at the aft section of the ship. It wasn't hard to spot Steven. There were very few people up on deck at the moment. It was easy to spot him by the width of his shoulders and the golden hue of his hair as the electric lights shone off it. After checking to be sure that no one she knew was here, she closed the distance between the two of them. He must have heard the clatter of her heels against the deck because he turned before she even reached him. His smile made her heart do a little flip. "Thank you for meeting me, Alasdare. If I may be so bold, you looked lovely at dinner."
"Yes. You may be so bold. Because you looked quite handsome." He smiled at her compliment and her heart flipped again. "Why are we meeting here? This isn't where we usually pass the time."
"I'm afraid that you might be in danger, Alasdare." She almost laughed, but his voice was so serious. His face was so serious that it choked the mirth out of her.
"You think Victor knows about our secret meetings? I can assure you that he doesn't. If he did, I likely wouldn't be meeting you right now." She reached out and put her hand on his. "We've done nothing wrong, Steven. He can't do anything to me."
"He can hurt you, Alasdare. I've met men like him before. He thinks you're his possession, not his wife. He believes he can do to you whatever he wants and no one will stop him. He could kill you. What of your daughter? What of the child you carry?"
"He would never hurt his child." She turned to stare out at the water behind them. She didn't want to have this conversation with him. He was supposed to help her forget how terrible her life was. Not remind her of it. "I'll be fine, Steven. I've gotten used to it."
"You can't know that. And you shouldn't be used to it. No man has the right to make you think that you deserve to be treated that way." He reached out and took hold of her, turning her to face him. His hand curled over the tender spot on her ribs, just under her arm. Her breath hissed out of her throat with pain, bringing concern to his face. Then his fingers were probing gently at the spot until she almost cried out. "He did this after Anthony warned him not to hit you anymore, didn't he?"
"Its nothing. Just let it go. Please." He stared down at her and she could see in his eyes the desire to press the issue further. The idea that he cared warmed her heart. "Please, Steven. Just let it go. I'm going to leave him when we reach New York. I'm taking Deirdre and leaving him. It doesn't matter if my parents disown me and I don't have any money. It doesn't matter if I become a social outcast. All that matters is I'm going to take control of my life and leave him. I..." She stopped herself before she could give everything away. She just couldn't tell him that she thought she'd fallen in love with him.
"You what?" There was an edge of hopeful eagerness to his voice. Alasdare shook her head.
"I don't love Victor. I never have. We were married because my parents felt it was a good match. I don't love him." She stared up at him, foolishly hoping that he would read into her words the things she hadn't said. And he stared back, face a mask of concern and confusion and... hope?
His hands lifted, fingers cupping her cheeks gently so that he could tilt her head back just a bit. The intent was there, shining in his eyes and her heart soared. She'd been dreaming of this almost since the moment she'd met him. Something told her that his kiss would be the stuff of legends, the kind of kiss that would make her toes curl. She wanted to watch him the entire time, but her eyes closed as his face closed the distance. She felt his breath plume against her lips, swore she felt the barest brush of his lips against them. But then he was pulling back, his hands letting her go so that he could turn away. This time, he was the one who stared out over the ocean.
"Steven?"
"Forgive me, Alasdare. I don't know what I was thinking." His voice was as tight as his grip on the railing. She wanted to put a hand on his arm and told him that it was fine, that there was nothing shameful in his desire to kiss her because she wanted it as much as he did. But she didn't. Because she could see that he wouldn't believe her. She simply stood by him and remained silent, giving him the time he needed to get himself back under control. Several long moments passed before he finally looked at her. What she saw in his face nearly broke her heart. "We can no longer see one another. Your husband has been making promises and threats that lead me to believe your life will be forfeit if we continue our relationship."
"No. Please, Steven. No."
"I won't be responsible for that animal abusing you. I'm sorry, Alasdare. I wish it could be different." He reached out and cupped her cheek with one hand, then drew away. There was regret swimming in his eyes. "The wind is turning chilly. You should go back to your cabin. There's no reason you should stay up here and catch your death."
Steven turned and walked away.
~*~
This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. This wasn't how it was supposed to end.
She lay curled up on the bed, eyes dry and gritty from crying. She'd retired to the bedroom after returning to the cabin and had immediately taken to bed. It felt as if her whole world was falling apart. She'd remained topside for a few minutes longer, trying to grasp what had just happened. And, as she'd watched Steven walk away, she'd realized that it was possible for someone to fall in love with someone they didn't know. Because she'd done just that. Watching him go, she'd suddenly understood. She'd fallen in love with him.
She heard the cabin's main door open and knew that Victor had returned. It was early, only just after eleven. Perhaps he was only there to retrieve something he'd forgotten and would leave without bothering her. She could hear some muffled conversation from the other room, suggesting that he was speaking to Leni. The chatter lasted some minute or so, then the door to the bedroom crashed open and Victor flicked on the lights. "Get out of bed, whore!"
The anger in his voice prompted her to do as he said. She slid from the bed and stared at him. One of his fingers pointed at her, then he jerked his thumb over his shoulder. She picked up her robe and slipped it on, belting it closed as she hurried to do his bidding. He stepped aside to let her through the door, his hand connecting with her back to push her. She stumbled over the hem of her nightgown and ended up on her hands and knees on the floor. "Get up or I'm going to kick that brat right out of you."
Alasdare climbed to her feet and moved to put distance between them. A glance over her shoulder showed her that Leni was watching them with sadistic glee in her eyes. It was a mistake, because the moment she took her attention off Victor, his hand curled around her throat and squeezed until she couldn't breathe. She wrapped her hands around his wrist, eyes wide as she stared at him. "Victor, please."
"I should break your god damn neck. You've been cheating on me, making a fool out of me!" he growled, shaking her ever so slightly. She tried to say no, but his fingers tightened, leaving her no other choice but to shake her head. "I know you been out with some other fella! I know! Are you trying to make a fool out of me?"
She shook her head again. Black dots were dancing before her eyes, letting her know that if she didn't get air soon, she was would be rendered unconscious. That would leave him the freedom to do whatever he liked. She couldn't let that happen. Desperate and running on what little adrenaline was left, she curled her hand into a fist and swung. It struck him square in the nose, hard enough that she heard the crunching sound that told her she'd broken it. Blood poured forth and he roared, tossing her away from him. The back of the sofa bit into her back painfully, bolted as it was to the floor. She dropped to the floor and gasped for breath.
"Leave us, Leni."
"But sir." The woman didn't sound quite so smug this time. Alasdare looked up at her through the spill of hair that covered her face. There was disbelief and hesitance there.
"Leave! Now!" Victor barked out the orders. Leni glanced at Alasdare for a moment, then nodded and almost ran for the door. When it shut behind her with a thud, Victor curled his hand into Alasdare's raven locks and dragged her to the couch. She tried to fight him, clawed at his wrist with her nails while her feet kicked at him. The pain didn't seem to phase him. He threw her down on the couch before backhanding her across the cheek. It was enough to leave her stunned so that he could pull the sash from her robe and rip the front of her nightgown away.
"No! Not anymore! I am not someone you can abuse any longer."
"Who's gonna stop me? Your new lover? I'll kill him if he comes near you again." He was fumbling at the zipper on his trousers. She lifted a leg and struck out with her foot. It caught him square in the crotch. Victor groaned, his hands cupping himself.
With his attention taken off of her, she scrambled off the couch. It was in her mind to make it to the door, run out into the hallway and scream for help. Surely someone would believe her claims of abuse if they could see the bruises he left on her body, if they saw the state of her night dress. Maybe someone would save her from all of this.
Her hand was on the knob when his hands closed around her waist. He ripped her away from the door and threw her across the room. She tripped over the coffee table and ended up on the couch again. He was advancing on her, hands fisted at his sides. Murder shone in his eyes. Dear God, he was going to kill her. She went over the back of the couch, her hands behind her as she searched for something with which she could defend herself.
Her hands closed over a vase. She used one hand to pick it up, swung it around until it smashed against his head. In a few moments, crimson droplets stained the golden hue of his hair. He reached up with one hand and felt the injury, then took a moment to stare at his hand. He said nothing. He just snarled at her and threw himself forward.
She turned to run away, but his hand caught her hair and pulled her back into him. "Please, Victor. Don't do this. Please."
"Shut up, bitch! No one makes a laughing stock of me. No one! I'm going to teach you which one of us is the boss." He shoved her into the wall face first, holding her in place with one hand. His free hand tugged at her clothing again until he pulled them from her body. She closed her eyes and tried to pretend that she was somewhere else. Anywhere else. And when he realized that she wasn't giving him her attention, he slapped her in the back of the head.
She must have lost time. She remembered being pinned up against the wall. Then she was on the floor, laying face down. Her clothes were gone and she ached all over. She could well imagine what he'd done to her. Groaning, she rose up on hands and knees. A pair of glossy shoes appeared at the edge of her vision moments before his hand curled into her hair and pulled her to her feet again. A bruise had already formed across his nose and under his eyes. Eyes that burned with hatred. "I'm gonna make you regret this day."
"I've regretted it since the day we exchanged vows, Victor." Her words came out on a whisper. He only snarled at her, caught her around the throat again. "I'm not afraid of you. Not anymore."
"I'll teach ya to be afraid."
"I'm not a dog. Hit me again and you'll live to regret it." This was it. The last straw. After tonight, she'd make sure everyone knew what kind of man he was. She'd ruin him, ruin his reputation. And she'd see to it that her father considered Anthony Stark's proposal. Victor only leered at her and drew his hand back. She watched has he curled it into a fist. "You'll lose the respect of everyone when I tell them what you've done. You'll be penniless and on the outside. Again. How will that feel, Victor? How will you like being a pathetic no one?"
"Whore!" Before he could swing at her, she lifted her hand and slapped it against his broken nose. He growled and released her, his hands going up to stop the new flow of blood. Alasdare turned to run. She took three steps, then ended up face first on the floor again. Victor glared down at her, death in his eyes. She struggled to gain her feet, crawling backward as he stalked toward her. A wall brought her up short. "I'd take the time to do this right, but I've got a meeting soon. We'll finish this when I get back."
"I won't be here, Victor. I'll go somewhere else. Anywhere to get away from you."
"You ain't going nowhere, bitch!" She had only a second or two to note the fist coming at her. Then it slammed into the side of her head and she felt pain burst across the back of her skull. The room swam with colors while her body became curiously light. The floor rushed up to meet her and the last thing she heard before unconsciousness took her was the turning of the lock on the door.
And then she knew nothing but darkness.
~*~
"Alasdare!" Her name came from a long distance away, in a voice that was strident with fear. She blinked, tried to sit up but ended up falling over once again. "Alasdare, open the door!"
She knew that voice. Didn't she? She tried calling his name, but nothing more than a hoarse squeak came out. The knob rattled, the door shaking in its frame. A baby was crying in the background. "Damn it, Alasdare. Open the door if you're in there."
"Step back, old man. Allow me." That voice was familiar, too. Her brain didn't seem to be working very well because she couldn't quite recall names. There was a reason for that, wasn't there? She tried climbing to her feet, but her legs felt like jelly. So she started crawling. Perhaps it was better that way because just thinking about standing made her feel nauseous. Not that it mattered what she did because a moment later, the door burst open with the sound of wood splintering and she found familiar faces staring at her. "Good God. The man's an animal. You take care of her, Steven. I'll go after her child."
The two of them flowed into the room, leaving streamers of color flowing out behind them. The effect made her feel sick, forcing her to close her eyes. She felt a hand on her forehead, soothing and gentle, with another hand probed the rest of her head. She hissed when his fingers found the knot where... Where something must have happened. She couldn't remember what that something was, though. "Alasdare, can you hear me?"
"Steven," she whispered. Very slowly, she cracked her eyes open to find his face only inches from hers. She tried for a smile and knew she failed by the way he frowned at her. "I'm sorry. I must look a fright."
"You look..." he stopped, as if he'd been about to say something, then thought better of it. "You're right. You look horrible. Can you stand?"
"I tried. My legs don't seem to work very well." Judging by the way his mouth flattened, he was really not happy. But he said nothing, simply swung her up into his arms and carried her through to the bedroom. Her eyes went wide. "Steven, do you really think now is the right time?"
He set her on the bed and stared at her, as if he wasn't sure what she was talking about. Then understanding dawned in his eyes and he shook his head. "That isn't what this is all about. We have to get you dressed and get you up on deck. The ship is sinking. They're putting people in lifeboats as we speak." He turned from her and went to the heavy wooden armoire that held her gowns and Victor's suits. A look into one of the drawers garnered him a pair of tap pants and one of her brassieres. Next came a pair of stockings, which was followed by one of her gowns and her heaviest coat. The last thing he picked up were a pair of shoes. Then he turned to her side.
They said nothing as he helped her into her clothing. She thought there was something terribly sweet and very wicked about his knowing exactly how to dress her, but he was a handsome man and no doubt had his fair share of the ladies. Standing proved slightly problematic, but he worked around that as best he could. He had her fully dressed and ready to go in record time. The last thing he did was fetch one of the lifebelts from the cupboard and help her into it.
She tried once again to stand, but her legs still didn't want to hold her. So he simply swung her up into his arms again and carried her toward the door. Anthony Stark was standing in the living room, Deirdre bundled up in his arms. "She's an enchanting child, Alasdare. And quite smart. She stopped crying the moment she saw me. No doubt because she knows a handsome man when she sees one."
"Absolutely no ego at all, Anthony."
"Of course not. Now let's get the soon to be widow Creed up to the lifeboats."
"Sounds like a damned good idea to me."
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-23 06:38 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-23 04:43 pm (UTC)i'll try to have the next one done and up soon.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-23 06:57 am (UTC)Is it wrong that I'd put money on Steve over Victor in a fight? Because I would. lol And oh, those heroes. They're so good at heroing! I'm glad Dare has a shot as something good now, even if it takes all this to get there.
Can't wait to see what's next! Great job! :D
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-23 04:47 pm (UTC)no. it isn't wrong that you're putting money on Steve over Victor. cos i'm doing it, too. i personally have been enjoying Tony in this. he's had some really good lines. yes. those heroes... doing what they do. you knew i'd do right by her eventually, didn't you? i'm sure she's got all kinds of good stuff coming her way after this.
at least until i decide to torture her again.
i hope to get going on the next chapter today at some point. but i've really got to do dishes. i mean really.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-24 12:31 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-24 12:35 am (UTC)too bad my momentum is shot to hell. ah, well. real life must intervene once in a while, yes?
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-25 04:39 pm (UTC)Poor Dare. I almost cheered out loud when she broke Vic's nose, though. lol! Hopefully things will get better for her now.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-25 04:41 pm (UTC)Another great chapter, hun! You're quite right about Tony getting some of the best lines. I especially liked that last bit. *giggles*
Poor Dare. I have to admit to nearly cheering out loud when she broke Vic's nose, though. LoL Hopefully things will get better for her now.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-25 05:37 pm (UTC)yes. i do so love the lines that Tony's gotten. i always look for a good closing line or whatever. that one seemed to fit really well. so yeah. i kind of liked that one best, too.
that wasn't the way i pictured that fight going. but someone grew a spine and there you go. that was... kind of an awesome bit. wasn't it?
glad you loved it, hon.
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-25 11:13 pm (UTC)And damned LJ is right. Apparently it decided to post both of them. *sigh*
(no subject)
Date: 2011-01-25 11:45 pm (UTC)